“Fragrances affect our emotions, our concentration, and our bio-rhythms, and is one of the most important factors when forming memories. “
Arguably the most subtle of our 5 senses, our sense of smell is often underestimated in how powerful it is to our mind. Our brain is gathering information all the time, and smell is one of its main resources for interpreting the world around us. Fragrances affect our emotions, our concentration, and our bio-rhythms, and is one of the most important factors when forming memories. Let’s take a closer look at some of the effects fragrance has on our brain.
Without this attachment to experience, fragrance would hold no meaning to us. This mental connection also acts as a tool to recall information stored in the brain. For instance, if you study for a test while smelling a certain fragrance, and then smell that fragrance while taking the test, studies have shown that you’ll have better recall of the information you studied.
Fragrance helps our brain to store memories that we’re making in real time as more vivid entires. This means that if we smell the same fragrance again later, we’ll be able to have more detail attached to the memopry of important events where theat same fragrance was present.
When we’re aware of the connection between mental processes and fragrance, we’re able to use that connection to our advantage. Certain fragrances are more likely to encourage different moods and attitudes. Some examples include the energizing effects of citrus fragrances, or the calming effects of lavender and sandalwood.
The mind/body connection is so strong when fragrance is involved, that we can train our physical responses to fragrance over time. Try consistently using the same fragrance during meditation for several days. Then, even when you don’t have time to meditate, having that fragrance present can have a calming effect. This concept applies to other activities and the emotions associated with them as well.
Linking fragrance to energy and emotion can give you a bit of an edge when it comes to making memories and first impressions. Different fragrance notes can convey messages to visitors entering your home. Warm fragrances containing spicy smells like cinnamon are inviting and comforting. Clean smells like eucalyptus and peppermint can help others to feel focused and invigorated.
Cultivating a signature fragrance, or a collecton of a few fragrances, for your home can help set the tone for people who visit there. It can also help to create more vivid mempries for your family, and help them to recall those memories more readily every time the come back home.